Avery 5524 Waterproof Labels Review: Durable but Laser-Only
Few shipping labels can confidently claim “completely waterproof,” but the Avery Waterproof Printable Shipping Labels, 3-1/3" x 4", White, 300 Blank (5524) back it up with consistent cross-platform praise. Across Amazon, Reddit, Trustpilot, and Avery’s own community, users score them at 4.7–4.9/5, citing durability under extreme conditions. This pushes them to a solid 9.3/10, especially for small businesses and anyone shipping in unpredictable weather.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — Highly recommended for laser printer users needing industrial-grade permanence, but avoid if you use inkjet or need repositionable labels.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Truly waterproof, even when submerged | Laser printer-only compatibility |
| Ultrahold adhesive bonds to metal, plastic, and glass | Not acid-free — may matter for archival uses |
| Resistant to chemicals, UV, scuffing, tearing | Permanent adhesive means no clean removal |
| TrueBlock technology hides all underlying text | Price higher than standard paper labels |
| Reliable Sure Feed technology prevents jams | Limited size options — 3-1/3" x 4" only |
| Acceptable for food contact | Not compostable or recycled material |
Claims vs Reality
One of Avery’s headline claims is that these labels remain “completely waterproof even when submerged underwater.” Digging deeper into user reports, the consensus is that this isn’t just marketing spin. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “I used these on shipments that sat in rain for hours — print stayed sharp, no peeling.” Reddit discussions echo the same, with multiple reports of labels surviving both freezers and outdoor heat.
Another claim, “Ultrahold permanent adhesive sticks and stays better than basic labels,” finds strong support. Trustpilot feedback describes them “virtually impossible to peel off once they’re on,” making them ideal for industrial or supply chain environments. However, a few users mention that this stickiness can be overkill for temporary labeling, especially on reusable containers.
Avery’s “Sure Feed technology” is marketed as preventing misalignments and jams. While this isn’t a flashy feature, office managers appreciate the reliability. Quora contributions point out flawless runs of 50+ sheets without a single misfeed — a key factor for high-volume mailing operations. There’s alignment here between claim and experience.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
For businesses shipping perishables or temperature-sensitive goods, the waterproof and temperature-resistant design is a lifesaver. Reddit user feedback specifically mentions food labeling: “Great for labeling containers going into both refrigerators and hot kitchens — no lift, no smudge.” Outdoor vendors also benefit from the UV resistance, with Trustpilot users citing up to a year of sun exposure without fading.
Small e-commerce sellers rave about the TrueBlock technology. It allows them to reuse shipping boxes without visible remnants of old addresses or branding. A seller on eBay said: “Covers every trace of text underneath, makes recycled packaging look new.” For sustainability-minded operations, this extends the life of materials more than basic paper labels can.
Chemical resistance set these apart in lab and industrial environments. One Avery site review mentioned using household disinfecting wipes daily on product labels: “The print held up, surface didn’t bubble.” This resilience is crucial in healthcare and food prep operations where cleaning protocols are strict.
Common Complaints
Strict laser-only compatibility is the single biggest frustration point. Amazon product Q&A threads are filled with warnings — inkjet users attempting to print on these film labels report severe smudging or poor adhesion. A verified buyer bluntly wrote: “Don’t even try these with inkjet — total mess.” This narrows their audience.
Permanent adhesive, while praised for security, is a negative for those needing removable or repositionable labels. Reports from Etsy sellers explain that attempting removal damages the surface underneath. It’s a non-issue for disposables like shipping boxes, but problematic when labeling equipment or display cases.
Price is another sticking point. At roughly $0.17 per label via Staples or OfficeSupply.com, these cost more than double standard matte paper shipping labels. Users in high-volume situations must weigh this against the durability benefits.
Divisive Features
The film-based matte white finish splits opinion. Some praise its professional look — “Crisp, high-contrast printing makes text pop,” one Trustpilot review said — while others feel glossy finishes offer more visual appeal for branding. Similarly, the industrial-grade stickiness is celebrated in rugged environments but occasionally flagged as over-engineered for routine office mailing.
Trust & Reliability
Concerns about authenticity or underperformance are virtually absent from Trustpilot and Avery.com reviews. Instead, patterns show buyers returning to reorder after months of use. Verified customers recount labels holding up through extreme cycles: “Six months later, labels on storage bins still look new despite being in a damp basement,” as shared on Reddit.
That durability extends to surface integrity post-printing. Reports from webstaurantstore buyers note no curling or peeling at the edges even after repeated handling. This long-term stability underlines their value in archival storage and prolonged shipping timelines.
Alternatives
One alternative mentioned across data sources is Avery’s paper TrueBlock labels (such as model 8164). These cost less — about $0.09 per label — and work with both laser and inkjet. However, they lack full waterproofing and chemical resistance. For climate-controlled, low-risk shipping, they present strong value; for outdoor or industrial, 5524 remains superior.
Price & Value
Market prices cluster between $51–$75 per box of 300, with Staples offering mid-range at $51.29. eBay listings float similarly but rarely dip below $50 unless bundled with other supplies. Resale potential is minimal — these are consumables, not investment items.
Community buying tips stress bulk ordering during sales seasons. OfficeDepot promotions and Avery’s direct store discounts can drop per-label cost nearer to $0.14. For operations shipping in adverse conditions, the premium is justified by avoiding re-labeling or lost packages from label failure.
FAQ
Q: Can I use these labels with an inkjet printer?
A: No. Users report severe print quality issues when using inkjet. These labels are film-based and designed specifically for laser printers.
Q: Will these labels peel off cleanly from surfaces?
A: Not easily. The Ultrahold adhesive is permanent, making removal difficult and often damaging the surface underneath.
Q: Are they safe for food-contact labeling?
A: Yes. Multiple sources confirm they are acceptable for food contact, making them suitable for kitchens and catering.
Q: Do they really survive full submersion?
A: Yes. Verified buyers and Reddit users confirm intact print and adhesion even after prolonged submersion in water.
Q: Can the labels handle outdoor sun exposure?
A: Yes. They include UV resistance for up to one year, as supported by Trustpilot accounts of outdoor use.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a small business, industrial shipper, or food-service operator using a laser printer who needs labels to survive water, chemicals, and rough handling. Avoid if you need inkjet compatibility or removable labels. Pro tip from the community: order during Avery’s bulk sales to minimize per-label cost while stocking up for long-term use.
